Thomas not doubting Jack quality

11 Oct 2012 11:21:00

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has backed Jack Wilshere to return stronger than ever and become one of the best midfielders in the world.

Wilshere has played two Under-21 games for Arsenal as he continues his recovery following 14 months out with ankle and knee injuries. "You know what he did in his first full season for Arsenal - he was amazing," Vermaelen told the club's official website.

"For me, he can be one of the best midfielders in the world. He has the potential for that.I'm really happy he's coming back now. He's working on his match fitness and that's the most important thing. I think in the future he will lift the team. "When I was out with injury, I was in the gym a lot," he said.

"Jack was in the gym even longer working hard on his weaknesses. "You can see that now in his body on the pitch. For me he looks much stronger and that's good. Sometimes you have to take the positives when you're out for more than a year and I think he's done that."